saturday morning, march 3, 2018 parashat ki tissa: … a top-notch silent auction. with your help,...
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Saturday Morning, March 3, 2018
Parashat Ki Tissa:
Exodus 30:11-34:35 pp. 523-546
Haftarah: I Kings 18:1-39 pp. 548-551
9:00am Bat Mitzvah Anna Barlis 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services 9:00am BE Mitzvah Experience 9:30am Shabbat SPACE 10:15am Pre-Service Oneg Shabbat 10:15am Shabbat Morning Discussion Group with Jack Gruenberg 10:45am Family Kehillah Services 10:45am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Shabbat Tween Lounge 12:00pm Kiddush 12:30pm Daf Shevui 5:30pm Mincha/Maariv 6:30pm Havdalah This week’s Kiddush is sponsored
by: Ellen and Rick Barlis in honor of their
daughter Anna Faye’s Bat Mitzvah.
Mazal Tovs, Condolences, & Refuah Shleimah:
Mazal Tov to Julia Keltz and Zach Seiden on the birth of daughter Zoe Raquel Seiden, and to grandparents Beth Breakstone and Ted Keltz, and aunts and uncles Lynn and Marty Keltz and Elise and Barry Richman.
Mazal Tov to Anna Barlis on her Bat Mitzvah, and to her parents Ellen and Rick.
Condolences to Yvette Gordon on the passing of her brother Michael Hirsch.
The following people are assisting this Shabbat:
Mark Seidenfeld, President’s Chair, Sandy Gruenberg, VP’s Chair; Donna Levy, Gabbai; Rachel Casanova and Michael
Wechsler, Greeters; Mark Silver and Elise Richman, Ushers
Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted
that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a
donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here.
Minyan Times
Sunday 8:00am Shacharit; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv Monday 6:55am Shacharit; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv Tuesday 7:00am Shacharit; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv Wednesday 7:00am Shacharit; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv Thursday 6:55am Shacharit ; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv Friday 7:00am Shacharit; 5:40pm Mincha/Maariv
A Word of Torah - From Torah Sparks - The Gift of Oral Torah Rabbi Mordechai Silverstein, Conservative Yeshiva Faculty Very discerning readers of the Torah, the rabbinic sages sought to plumb the depths and uncover the significance of each and every word and expression. Seemingly difficult language provided them with opportunities to thrash out God's will. In Parashat Ki Tissa, a verse describing the giving of the second set of tablets after the sin of the golden calf seems to have particularly intrigued them: "And the Lord said to Moses: 'Write for yourself (k'tav lekha) these words, for according to (al pi) these words I have sealed a covenant (brit) with you and with Israel'" (Exodus 34:27) The idiom "al pi" means "according to," but it is built from the word "pi" whose literal meaning is "mouth." The juxtaposition of k'tav/write, pi/mouth, and brit/covenant prompted voices within the rabbinic tradition to discuss the relationship between the Written Torah and the Oral Torah and, in particular, the significance of the Oral Torah. (The Written Torah, or Torah she'bikkhtav, is the term given by our tradition for the Tanakh or Bible - a collection of fixed texts subject to an infinite number of creative readings. The Oral Torah, or Torah she'b'alpeh, is the term given for the rabbinic tradition which was originally preserved and passed from generation to generation in oral form.) Exodus Rabbah 47:1 reads the inclusion of the word "pi" as teaching that the Oral Torah was also included in the revelation at Mount Sinai: "When the Holy One Blessed be He was revealed at Sinai to give the Torah to Israel, He spoke to Moshe about Scripture, Mishnah, Talmud, and Aggadah (nonlegal
lore) ... and even that which a student will ask his teacher." Rabbi Yohanan, perhaps the most important sage in Eretz Yisrael in Talmud times, took things a step further. He taught that this verse shows the centrality of the Oral Torah: "The Holy One Blessed be He only made a brit/covenant with Israel on account of the things which were taught orally..." (Gittin 60b). What accounts for Rabbi Yohanan's elevation of Judaism's oral tradition at the expense of written tradition? One midrashic account suggests that the non-Jewish world had already taken over the "Bible" as its own. Consequently, the Oral Torah was God's "secret" covenant, preserved exclusively for the Jewish people; it is what gives the Jews their unique identity (See Exodus Rabbah 47:1;3) Another midrash suggests that the great effort required for learning the Oral Torah made it indicative of the effort the Jews were willing to expend in order to maintain their covenant with God. (Exodus Rabbah 47:4) The late Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Gerson Cohen gave voice to this unique attachment to the Oral Torah. He noted that Rabbinic Judaism was responsible for two incredible religious innovations. First, it introduced the idea of universal study as a religious discipline and means for communicating with God. Study and, in particular, the study of Judaism's Oral tradition, was meant to be a way for everyone to commune with God, not just a wealthy or scholarly elite.
The other great innovation of the rabbinic "oral" tradition, according to Cohen, was the idea that Judaism does not have a priestly class. Sure, we still have our "kohanim" and "leviim", but we do not live our Jewish religious lives vicariously through them. Nor are rabbis supposed to mediate for us between us and God. Religious observance is democratic - the privilege and responsibility of the mitzvot is for every Jew. (See Cohen's essay, "The Rabbinic Heritage" in Studies in the Varieties of Rabbinic Culture) The embrace of "Oral Torah" as the central expression of the Jewish People's covenant with God is what makes rabbinic Judaism unique and our covenant with God special. BESC Featured and New Announcements (Please follow us: Facebook.com/bethelsynagoguecenter and spread the word about news, events, and information by “liking” or “sharing!)
SISTERHOOD FUNDRAISER: Join the Sisterhood on Friday, March 9 at Lord & Taylor. Buy a $5 ticket, which will serve as your savings pass, and receive 25% off most purchases storewide; 15% on cosmetics and fragrances. Contact Linda Resnick at [email protected] or come to the Beth El front office. CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE Our next one will be Saturday, March 17 at 10:45am led by Rabbi Sitkin. For a list of our spiritual practices, visit www.bethelnr.org/spiritualpractices OPEN BEIT MIDRASH Our next “OBM” is Thursday, March 8. We begin at 7:30pm with drinks and a nosh followed by learning promptly at 8:00pm. This upcoming evening is sponsored by Ted Keltz and Beth Breakstone in memory of Ted’s father Harold Keltz. OBM is held on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays with Rabbis Schuck and Sitkin, and Rabbi Ethan Linden of Ramah Berkshires, simultaneously teaching on different areas of Jewish texts. On the last week of the month, a scholar teaches on a specific topic in their field. Free and open to all. OBM is subsidized by the Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Fund for Jewish Inspiration and the Sylvia and Harry Halpern Lecture Fund. For more information or to sponsor a night of learning , visit bethelnr.org/openbeit or contact Rabbi Sitkin at [email protected]. AIPAC The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference at the Washington Convention Center is March 4-6. We’re appreciative to have a strong representation on-hand. Register at www.policyconference.org and enter the code PC18BENR, or call 646.360.1534 and register. Contact [email protected] for more.
GALA! Beth El Synagogue Center Invites You to our 64th Annual Gala Honoring
Donald J. Fleishaker for Distinguished Leadership and Devoted Service
Lori and Steven Schwartz, President's Ne'emanim Service Award
Recipients
Robyn and Daniel Yairi, Lapid Award Recipients
Visit www.bethelnr.org/Gala2018 to place your ad, make your reservation, and purchase raffle tickets! You can read about our honorees, view the letters of tribute, and get Gala details. We will once again be holding a top-notch Silent Auction.
With your help, we can truly catapult Beth El Synagogue Center's annual fundraiser to new heights. If you have access to worthy items, and you are able to contribute them to our auction, we will be most appreciative and will recognize you at the Gala. Help us raise funds by donating an auction item! If you have something to donate please contact Shery Rosenstein ([email protected]) ASAP!
JOIN US ON
SUNDAY, MARCH 18 AT 5:00PM,
Be There or, well, Just Be There!
www.bethelnr.org/vashti
CONGRATULATIONS to our members Ron Burton, Marc Klee, and Mark Silver, who will be honored at this year's Julian Y. Bernstein Distinguished Service Awards by the Westchester Jewish Council. The three will be honored for their outstanding volunteer work. Burton for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Klee for United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism – METNY, and Silver for Beth El.
The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, March 8 at 7:30pm at Temple Israel Center of White Plains at 280 Old Mamaroneck Road. Please show your support. It’s free and open to the entire community. RSVP here: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ef1n9jzd17148db9&oseq=&c=&ch=.
DAY CAMP Best. Days. Ever. Our camp doesn’t have the best reputation in Southern Westchester for nothing! Camp is now eight weeks and will provide towel service! Visit, www.betheldaycamp.org. TAX RECEIPTS The 2017 tax receipts were emailed several weeks ago. Please make sure to check your inbox and your SPAM folder. If you need another copy via email, please email [email protected].
WINE The Israel Affairs Committee presents A Passover Wine Tasting and Wine Sale on Thursday, March 15 from 7:00pm– 9:00pm. 20% off bottles and cases! Visit www.bethelnr.org/passoverwines for more.
OUR ANNUAL MINYAN BREAKFAST will be held on Sunday, March 18. Morning minyan will be at 8:00 am followed by breakfast in the Wiener Lounge. We will honor long-time Beth El member and Minyanaite Bernard Katz for his constant support of the minyan for more than 30 years. At the breakfast, you can reconnect with old friends, enjoy bagels and spreads, and hear Rabbi Schuck and Cantor Aqua talk about the minyan and give out siddurim to members who finished reciting Kaddish for their loved one . We invite you to volunteer to help with our minyan to ensure its continuity. Please let Cantor Aqua know which day and time would work best for you by emailing him at [email protected].
SISTERHOOD BAGELS AND BOOKS The next discussion will be Monday, March 26 at 9:30am regarding The Thing We Cherished, by Pam Jeneff. Books are available at the New Rochelle Public Library - mention that you are a member of Beth El Sisterhood’s Bagels & Books Group. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at [email protected] or 914.235.2485.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! Join us Monday, March 12 at 7:30pm to discuss the relationships between our children and their partners who are not Jewish. Share your story or learn from others. All are welcome. Facilitated by Shari Baum, L.M.S.W. WJCS Coordinator of Partners in Caring, at the home of Barbara and Bob Cohen (29 Cherry Lawn Blvd. in New Rochelle, NY) RSVP to Elise Schepp at [email protected] Questions? Contact Nina Luban at [email protected] or Elise K. Richman at [email protected]. Generously funded by UJA-Federation of New York Sponsored by the Keruv Committee EXHIBIT Israeli Artist Gregory Niemetz’s new exhibit will be open from now through March 25. Outside of Israel he exhibited in Germany, Great Britain, Argentina, South Africa, and the United States. He was not only financially successful, but also donated paintings for Israel’s war effort and to the Ilan-Israel Foundation for Handicapped Children. Dr. Will Sandberg, the Art Advisor to the Israel Museum, chose four paintings that Gregory donated to the museum. He died in Israel in 1978. You can visit the museum at any time the synagogue is open. If the room is locked, get the key from the office. TALMUD DAF SHEVUI STUDY SESSION This study session occurs every Shabbat at 12:30pm in the Library. New participants are welcome. We discuss a page (daf) of the Talmud. Download the weekly portion: www.conservativeyeshiva.org/category/daf-shevui.
FULFILL THE MITZVAH OF READING TORAH ONLINE We have launched a sheet that allows you to signup to read from the Torah or chant the Haftarah at Beth El on Shabbat and holidays online. Click the link and you will see a list of availability: www.bethelnr.org/torahsignup. Select the aliyah (or aliyot) you want to read and enter your name and email address. Cantor Aqua will contact you to confirm. If
you wish to read in honor of your birthday, anniversary, to fulfill a mitzvah on any Shabbat, or discuss this new system for fulfilling the mitzvah of reading Torah and Haftorah, please contact Cantor Aqua ([email protected]) or Alan Kellman ([email protected]).
CARD ROOM The weekly Sisterhood Canasta group plays at 12:45pm on Mondays while the Mah Jongg group plays on Tuesdays at the same time. Beginners, as well as experienced players, are always welcome. Contact Arlene Salman at [email protected] or 914.235.2485.
www.bethelnr.org/specialneedsseder
GIFT SHOP Visit the Beth El Sisterhood Baum Judaica Gift Shop for ALL your Judaica needs. Open by appointment. Email [email protected], or call Erica Epstein (914.633.3161), Carole Graham (914.576.6617), and/or Ellen Hollander (914.632.4658). *RABBI SCHUCK AND BETH EL HONOR This year’s HOPE Gala will honor Rabbi David Schuck and Beth El Synagogue Center. It will be held on Thursday, April 26 - location TBD. Questions? Contact Carole Troum at [email protected].
WHEREVER WE STAND, WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
Beth El's Israel Affairs Committee would like to share interesting and exciting news regarding the week's developments in business, culture, technology, agriculture, sports and the environment in Israel.
Artists 4 Israel travels to Indonesia in latest mural-making venture
http://www.jpost.com/International/Artists-for-Israel-travels-to-Indonesia-in-latest-mural-making-venture-543453
Previously Unknown Stretch of 2,500-year-old Incense Route Found in Israel's Negev Desert
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/unknown-stretch-of-2-500-year-old-incense-route-found-in-negev-1.5847863
Limmud and Other Learning Opportunities FUTURE TENSE Rabbi Molly Karp’s Future Tense: Jews, Judaism, and Israel in the 21st Century; A Vision for Jews and Judaism in the Global Culture. Class focuses on the book written by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. It meets Wednesday mornings from 10:00am-12:15pm. Remaining classes: March 14, 21 To learn more about Rabbi Karp, visit rabbimollykarp.com or contact her at [email protected].
DON’T FORGET TO ZUMBA! It’s back at Beth El Sundays from 9:30-10:30am. Classes are held every Sunday through March 25 except on Feb. 18. Drop-in rate is $10 per class. No need to RSVP. For more information, contact Carrie Fox at [email protected]. LEARN HEBREW IN OUR ULPAN CLASSES Classes with Miri Ben Avi are ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays - classes are for learners at all levels. Beginners: 6:30-7:30pm/ Intermediate: 7:30-8:30pm/ Advanced: 8:30-9:30pm Contact [email protected] or 914.602.1503. ISRAELI DANCING Held Sundays 10:00-11:00 am with Cantor Aqua. $10/class. Wear comfy clothes and sneakers. Questions? E-mail [email protected]. All classes are at Beth El unless otherwise indicated.
Additional Beth El and Community Events and Information
NEW PRODUCTION This Sunday, March 4 at 4:00pm, Shames JCC on the Hudson at 371 S. Broadway in Tarrytown will present TRYmester, a new production that features poignant stories and the inner-dialogue of people wrestling with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of infertility. Through the generous support of the UJA, TRYmester is a partnership of the Shames JCC, WJCS, and the Westchester Jewish Council. Tickets ($18) can be purchased at shamesjcc.org/trymester. CONNECT Bring your baby for an informal parent playdate and music session at Schechter Westchester Dr. Elliot Spiegel Lower School in White Plains on Friday, March 16 from 9:15-10:45am. RSVP to Diana Schutt at [email protected] or call 914.948.3111, x.4370. ROCK ON Anshe Shalom Synagogue at 50 North Ave. in New Rochelle will host a concert with award-winning folk rock band Rogers Park on Sunday, March 11 at 7:00pm. Tickets ($30) can be purchased at http://anshesholomnewrochelle.org/4037-2/. JEWISH FILM AJC Westchester/Fairfield will hold the 17th annual Westchester Celebrates Jewish Film Festival at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville from March 13-29. This two-week festival is the largest annual Jewish event in Westchester. Last year, close to 9,000 tickets sold. The festival also brings extraordinary array of top-notch speakers and other programming. Over 38 films will be shown. Contact AJC Westchester Associate Director Jill Friedman by email ([email protected]) or phone (914-948-5585).
SEEKING JOB FOR AFGHAN REFUGEE This family has settled in White Plains under the auspices of HIAS-NY and is sponsored by a consortium of local synagogues and churches. (Fully authorized for permanent work in the US.) Fluent in English; skilled in use of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook); some experience with QuickBooks. Extensive managerial, administrative and logistical experience in projects with the American military, United Nations and Afghan government. If you have or know of an available position, please contact Jeff Swarz at [email protected] or Gene Tozzi at [email protected] or 914-672-1088.
More announcements can be found at
www.bethelnr.org/ongoing.